The effects and safety of glucocorticoids in the treatment of croup in children aged 18 years and below.
Study design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Population
- Number of patients studied: 5888 children
- Inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children aged 18 years and below with croup, assessing the effect of glucocorticoids compared to various control groups
- Exclusion criteria: Studies not meeting inclusion criteria
Interventions
- Experimental group: Glucocorticoids
- Control group: Placebo, any other pharmacologic agents, any other glucocorticoids, any combination of other glucocorticoids, different modes of administration, or different doses
Primary outcome
Change in croup score or return visits, (re)admissions to the hospital or both
Secondary & Safety Outcomes
| Number of Studies Reporting Adverse Events | Number of Studies Reporting Serious Adverse Events | Number of Studies Reporting No Serious Adverse Events |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 8 | 16 |
Conclusion
The evidence that glucocorticoids reduce symptoms of croup at two hours, shorten hospital stays, and reduce the rate of return visits or (re)admissions has not changed in this update. A smaller dose of 0.15 mg/kg of dexamethasone may be as effective as the standard dose of 0.60 mg/kg.